EastEnders' Robbie Jackson to return without Wellard

Robbie Jackson will return to 'EastEnders' without his beloved pooch Wellard II in tow

EastEnders' Robbie Jackson will return to Albert Square without his beloved pet pooch.

The unlucky-in-life road sweeper - portrayed by Dean Gaffney - hasn't graced Walford since he made a brief return in September 2015 with his dog Wellard II when his mother Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) rode off into the sunset for a fresh start but, although fans are excited to see his loveable face, they'll no doubt be devastated when he rocks up without his furry friend Wellard II in tow.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Robbie's return is exciting news for fans but the feeling is he'll be coming back as a more grown-up character with a slightly more serious outlook than before. In his original run Robbie was often a figure of fun, and the pairing with Wellard was part of that, but that's not going to be the case this time around, so there doesn't seem to be a call for the dog. Bosses hope long-term fans will find a new affection for the way Robbie has matured since they first saw him."

Dean was axed from the long-running soap alongside his dog in 2003 but he reprised his role for a few episodes in 2004 and then again in 2010 for various Jackson family events.

Fans were in for a shock in 2015 when he rocked up temporarily with Wellard II after his childhood friend Wellard died from old age. He then fled the Square for a "fresh start" in Milton Keynes.

Although it doesn't look like Robbie will be joined by a pet when he sees the other residents this time around, bosses have teased that fans will have to "wait and see" what he brings back to Walford.

Meanwhile, Dean recently admitted he couldn't wait to get back on set and see his co-stars again.

He said: "I'm really happy to be back. I'm so lucky to be given the chance to work again with such a talented group of people. A big thank you to Sean and the team. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."